University of Notre Dame employees and graduate students will still be able to receive birth control coverage after the school reversed its decision to stop allowing it under new Trump administration rules.

The South Bend Tribune reported that the school's human resources office informed employees of the news in an email on Tuesday. The coverage had been offered free of charge by third-party provider Meritan Health/Optum Rx.

"Meritain Health/OptumRx have advised that they will now continue to provide contraceptives to plan members at no charge," the email to employees said.

The school came under fire from some employees, students and outside observers when it announced the change last week. The Catholic school had unsuccessfully sued the Obama administration for an exemption to the Affordable Care Act rule requiring coverage for contraception because it conflicts with Catholic teaching prohibiting it.

Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne told the Tribune the school had been under the impression that the insurance provider would stop the free coverage following a Health and Human Services announcement on Oct. 6 easing the rule.

"Since then, we have been informed that Meritain Health/OptumRx will continue such coverage indefinitely," Browne said.

"Notre Dame, as a Catholic institution, follows Catholic teaching about the use of contraceptives and engaged in the recent lawsuit to protect its freedom to act in accord with its principles," he said. "Recognizing, however, the plurality of religious and other convictions among its employees, it will not interfere with the provision of contraceptives that will be administered and funded independently of the University."

The same deal appears to be in the works for graduate and some undergraduate students who have insurance through the school.

University of Notre Dame employees and graduate students will still be able to receive birth control coverage after the school reversed its decision to stop allowing it under new Trump administration rules.